Acc 3-pointers

Consecutive number of games Duke has made at least one 3-point field goal - the fourth-longest streak in the nation.

7

Maryland has led the ACC in blocked shots in seven of the last eight seasons.

2

Clemson had its first two ACC games decided in overtime - the first time in league history that has happened.

3 TOP PLAYERS

1. TYRESE RICE, BOSTON COLLEGE - Don't tell Virginia's Sean Singletary, but Rice is the ACC's most explosive backcourt scorer. He's second in the ACC with an average of 19.5 points per game, and is also contributing 5.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game.

2. J.J. HICKSON, NORTH CAROLINA STATE - Though the Wolfpack appears destined to sit out the postseason, the early returns on Hickson have been promising. He has been the ACC's top freshman performer. The 6-foot-9 center is in the conference's top 10 in scoring (15.6 points) and rebounding (7.7). He also leads the ACC in field-goal percentage (65 percent) and is sixth in blocked shots (1.63 per game).

3. CLIFF HAMMONDS, CLEMSON - Want to know one of the biggest reasons the Tigers are off to a 14-3 start? Look no further than Hammonds, a 6-3 senior point guard. He's leading the ACC with an outstanding 3.1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Despite playing 34 minutes per game, he's averaging just 1.3 turnovers per game.

3 TOP STORYLINES

1. CAN ANYBODY BEAT DUKE OR UNC?

How many times has this question been asked over the years? It seems to be the theme again this season. Duke, which picked up its one loss by a single point to Pittsburgh, and undefeated UNC are the only ACC teams beating opponents by more than 15 points per game (Duke by an average of 21.4 points, UNC by 20.9).

2. IS MIAMI FOR REAL?

Well, Miami's 76-66 loss Tuesday at Boston College would indicate otherwise, but the Hurricanes are still off to a 14-2 start. They're in the top three in the ACC in scoring defense, scoring margin, free-throw percentage, field-goal percentage, 3-point field-goal percentage and defensive rebounds. Of course, early games against the likes of Florida Southern, Morgan State, Alabama State, Florida International, Stetson, North Florida and North Carolina A&T helped pad those stats.

3. COULD PAUL HEWITT BE IN TROUBLE?

After getting off to an 0-3 start in the ACC, Georgia Tech is the only team in the conference with a losing overall record. Hewitt, who has three years left on his contract, led the Yellow Jackets to four NCAA tournament appearances in his first seven seasons as coach. The eighth season may test the administration's patience.

3 GAMES TO WATCH

1 P.M. SATURDAY

VIRGINIA TECH AT GEORGIA TECH

Which Tech is for real? Is Virginia Tech really better than some folks think? Is Georgia Tech really as bad as it has played in the early going? The Hokies have won the last two meetings, and all of the last three meetings in Atlanta.

8 P.M. SATURDAY

BOSTON COLLEGE AT VIRGINIA

BC puts its 3-0 ACC mark on the line with its first conference road game since Dec. 9. U.Va. is still in search of its first conference win. The Cavs need to get on track if they have hopes of factoring into the NCAA tournament picture. An 0-3 ACC start could be disastrous.

9 P.M. WEDNESDAY

NORTH CAROLINA AT MIAMI

It's the ultimate litmus test for the Hurricanes. Their one ACC win came against current conference doormat Georgia Tech. UNC should come into this one undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the country.